Nature’s Vistas at Cuyahoga Valley

Jonas Coonrad House, Cuyahoga Valley National ...
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Cuyahoga Valley National Park located in Brecksville, Ohio transforms the landscape from the urban center of Akron into a lengthy wilderness. The visitor will see beautiful vistas of forest and hills that roll into the distance. The park is beauiful throughout the year, enjoyable in the depths of winter as in the sunny days of summer. The river flows through the park’s 33,000 acres. The forests and land are home to a number of plant and animal species that you can take in as you walk. There are also a number of habitats, including wetlands. Rugged terrain and plummeting cliffs provide hikers and other visitiors with challenge and enjoyment.

The park is home to a large number of hiking trails that take you through the Ohio countryside. Those who love to ride horses can take their mounts over the various horse trails that are also available. Visitors of all interests and ages can find something to do within the park, including: golf, fishing, taking a bicycle ride, canoeing or enjoying one of the many other park activities available. Those who visit in winter can take part in skiing, ice fishing, sledding and winter hiking. The Winter Sports Center provides everything you need to get going.

For a real treat, the scenic train ride through the valley is a sure bet. While you ride, an audio prodcution titled “Voices of the Valley” gives you the history of the area. These cover stories of frontier life in the area, the changing of the river and the natural world that lives within it. The train is also host to special park events such as wine tastings and a special ride just for kids. It operates at different times throughout the year. For bikers, the Towpath Trail is a wonderful ride and cyclists can even get on the train at various stops if they choose. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a perfect stop on your trip to Ohio.

Traveling and Learning about the Nation’s First Ladies

WASHINGTON - NOVEMBER 02:  First lady Michelle...

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First Ladies National Historic Site located in Canton, Ohio serves to preserve the memory and contributions of the many first ladies throughout our country’s history. The two main structures on the property are the Victorian Ida Saxton House and the City National Bank Building.

When you arrive, the first place to stop is the Education and Research Center located in the City National Bank Building. The structure was erected in 1895, and within its walls are housed a number of exhibits. You can also watch the park film in the Victorian era theater that can seat up to 91 people. The bank also houses a research library, which can be used if you contact the park and schedule an appointment.

Next stop on your visit should be the Ida Saxton House, which was originally constructed in 1841. Ida Saxton McKinley was the wife of president William McKinley. The home had some changes made in 1865, but has currently been restored to its Victorian era appearance. You can take a walk through the home led by staff in period costume who will help you understand the history of the home and the many exhibits throughout it. The items you will see include artifacts from past first ladies that show the crucial part they played in the White House. You will see some of the dresses so that they have worn, personal effects and place settings from the White House.

The park also has special exhibits and events that focus on various first ladies that occur throughout the year. If you plan to take a tour of the home or bank building, the Park Service suggests you arrive at a minimum of 10 minutes early. There are no tours offered on Mondays, but are offered weekly Tuesday through Saturday. First Ladies National Historic Site is a fascinating walk through history and your family will enjoy the time spent there.

Take a Flight into Ohio History

As long as we have dreamt of flying, there are those who have pushed to make it a reality. Dayton, Ohio was home to those who helped make this dream a reality: Paul Laurence Dunbar, Orville Wright and Wilbur Wright. You can experience this history when you make a visit to the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. Within this park are four sites the you can visit, including the Huffman Prairie Flying Field and Interpretive Center, Wright Cycle Company Complex, the Paul Laurence Dunbar House and the Wright Brothers Aviation Center of Dayton History.

Each of these sites tell the story of the individuals who played a phenomenal role in the history of aviation. You can get an inside look at the Wright brothers’ personal and work life by touring their printing office, their bicycle shop and see one of their planes that is on display. The Huffman Flying Field Interpretive Center houses numerous exhibits that show the process of experimentation the Wright brothers went through. Rangers will take you on guided tours of the various sites, giving you hidden insights about these famous individuals.

If you want to explore the sites on your own, your cell phone can help you get more out of the experience. The park has cell phone tours you can listen to as you go through museums and exhibits. During the winter, you can also learn how to identify trees that grow on the property at the park. The park even offers a bicycle tour led by a park ranger that takes you through the surrounding area of the sites. This is not only a way to get some good exercise, but also to get a deeper look at the history behind the sites. They host various activities throughout the year, and you can contact the park for further information. Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park will make an exciting stop on your next vacation.

Brush Your Way Through the Toledo Museum of Art

Art lovers who visit Ohio who want to stop at the Toledo Museum of Art. This museum houses over 35,000 pieces of art from across the United States that are displayed in approximately 35 galleries. It was started in 1901, and has been very popular since its inception not only for its quality art collection but also for its free admission. Besides the standard collection that visitors can see anytime of the year, the facility also rotates out several temporary exhibitions on various subjects. This museum is also one of the most visited ones in the country, with a yearly attendance of more than 470,000 people.

Besides housing pieces of art, the museum also brings visitors into the experience with guided tours given by trained docents, after school programs and glass demonstrations that make art come alive for the general public. On Fridays, parents can bring their children in for various activities that make for an evening of fun and quality time together.

It also features an outdoor Sculpture Garden along with the recently finished Glass Pavilion. The works on display are done by some of the most talented and creative artists in history, including: Matisse, Monet, Van Gogh, El Greco, Holbein and Rubens. There are also pieces from ancient times, Asia and you can stroll through their incredible collection of glass pieces.

The admission is free to the general collection, there may be a fee to attend any special exhibitions. Parking is five dollars, but you can park for free by becoming a member of the museum or by spending a certain amount in the gift shop. It is open from 10 to 4 Tuesday through Thursday, 10 to 10 on Friday, 10 to 6 on Saturday and 12 to 6 on Sunday. The Toledo Museum of Art is well worth a day’s visit, where you can stroll through the endless galleries and enjoy a beautiful art.

Fly into Air Force History

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
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Military historians, aviation fans and those who just love a good museum will want to make a stop at the National Museum of the United States Air Force located on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. The museum is open from 9 to 5 each day and is free of charge to tour. When you come to visit, you will get to see over 400 vehicles used in flight, many of which are very rare. These exhibits are not just to look at, but often to interact with as well. They take you into topics such as the Wright brothers’ work an early flight all the way up to recent times when technology has advanced to unbelievable levels.

You also get to view artifacts and planes from the earliest days of Air Force history. Included are engines, weaponry and various equipment that are used to maintain, design and construct these technological wonders from different eras. The exhibits are broken up into various areas such as: missiles and space, Cold War, World War II, early flight and research. The museum also has an IMAX gallery inside to get an exciting experience of what it is like to be in the pilot seat.

Outside the museum you can visit Memorial Park, which honors those who have died in battle. There are over 500 various memorials, some of which honor prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. The museum is full accessibility to those with disabilities and has a cafe for visitors that need a snack. Before you visit, you can take a virtual tour of some of the exhibits on the museum website.

Than National Museum of the United States Air Force is the perfect place to spend a full day exploring some of the most fascinating aspects of our country’s military history.